A 31-year-old Scottish woman avoided jail after leaving a nine-year-old boy overnight in a dark, wooded area without food, water, or proper clothing, resulting in severe injuries and long-term health issues.
On September 9, 2022, Ashley McGovern drove the boy to Brock Wood near Spott, East Lothian, and abandoned him. Her actions triggered a massive 24-hour search involving 80 police officers, mountain rescue teams, and coastguard personnel, according to BBC.
During the search, McGovern falsely claimed the boy was missing, misleading authorities. Prior to the incident, he had been exposed to cocaine and alcohol. A distressed dog walker eventually found the child, who had suffered brain injuries and other physical trauma.
McGovern admitted to willfully neglecting and mistreating the boy, causing severe harm and permanent impairment. Despite the seriousness of her offenses, she received a three-year community payback order, 300 hours of unpaid work, and regular progress reviews.
The boy endured extensive hospitalization and spent over four months in rehabilitation. He continues to face significant physical and neurological challenges, including possible permanent weakness on one side of his body.
McGovern’s sentence includes supervision, mandatory drug rehabilitation, and mental health treatment as part of her ongoing punishment.
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